Why Callum chose Performance Analysis in Sport
Callum graduated from our MSc in Performance Analysis in Sport at the University of Salford in 2024, having previously studied a BA in Sports Coaching and Development elsewhere in the North West.
Throughout his academic journey, Callum immersed himself in various experiences.
![Callum Watts, a young man with light brown hair, is outdoors wearing a blue and grey Columbia jacket. He appears to be in conversation with someone off-camera.](/sites/default/files/2024-07/Callum%20Watts%20enaging%20in%20a%20practical%20session%20on%20the%203G%20pitch.jpg)
He has been working as an Academy Performance Analyst with Wigan Warriors Rugby League Club since April 2023, applying his academic knowledge in a professional setting. Callum is dedicated to enhancing his expertise in elite sport, particularly in performance analysis.
We caught up with Callum to delve into his experience and insight for aspiring professionals looking to get into the field of sports performance analysis.
Why did you choose Performance Analysis in Sport?
“I chose this course due to my previous interest in the area generated from my undergraduate course, Sports Coaching and Development. It will also aid my future goals of working in professional sports by boosting my qualifications.”
Why did you choose the University of Salford?
“Salford is in a very accessible location as I live locally in Manchester. There are many transport routes which make it easy to get to and from. The lecturer, who has worked for Wigan Warriors, made Salford appealing. Hearing his past experiences and having worked at the most successful rugby league club in England, I knew I would receive a fantastic standard of education. The facilities at Salford also made the decision to apply easier. With a variety of technology to learn about and expand my knowledge, I wanted to learn to the best of my ability about how each of them worked and how it would apply to my future practices.”
How will your degree help your career?
“My degree will help me secure jobs in the future, teaching me about applying analysis to sport, the tools needed to carry out the roles, and helping me gain valuable connections with my peers who aspire to work in various sports.”
What is a typical day like at university?
“A usual day starts at 09:00, with lunch between 13:00 and 14:00. Plenty of breaks are given to keep us refreshed, and a variety of activities keep us engaged. The day ends at 18:00, sometimes earlier, with a more applied session, which is a great way to learn and see the tools in action.”
Tell us about your placement with Wigan Warriors
“My internship started in April 2023 with Wigan Warriors, where I was given the role of academy analyst. It allowed me to implement my own ideas into practice. It was a great opportunity that I couldn’t turn down and a place where I have developed as an analyst and as a person. Learning about a professional sports environment where top coaches from various sports also come to learn was brilliant and has set a standard for my view of what a professional sports team should look like.”
How have you applied your learnings on placement?
“From my time at Salford, I’ve been able to apply my learning, in the sense that new technology can always be learned. Learning about AI and how it can be implemented has helped me visualise statistics, while there is still more to be learnt. The scouting and recruitment aspect has also been very interesting; seeing the process and then seeing it done in the real world has meant it is something I would love to progress into.”
What has been your favourite part of the course?
“My favourite class was the lecture on scouting and recruitment. Learning about the process in the morning session, and then teaming up with my peers to find players who fit certain criteria, was great and definitely a part of the course I enjoyed the most.”
Why should students apply for this course and how should they prepare?
“I suggest that they look into the connections the university has with clubs. There are great connections in various sports, but it’s always good to check possible placements. This course will give you the qualifications needed to better your knowledge as an analyst and open up opportunities in the future.”
What has been the most valuable part of studying at Salford?
“The most valuable part of studying at Salford was opening up new passions. Each lecture made me want to further my knowledge and explore opportunities currently available in my field of interest. It has also taught me new ways of writing and different assessments I had never come across.”